A Freeware PC?

Steve — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 12:40:41 +0000

For the last several months, I’ve been using a PC that does not have any commercial off-the-shelf applications. Other than the Windows XP operating system, everything else loaded on the PC is freeware.

I didn’t originally intend to do this, but after I loaded the OpenOffice suite, I thought what the heck, lets see how far I can take it.

I ended up with the following free applications:

OpenOffice.org 3 – Word Processing, Spreadsheet, Presentation, Database, Drawing
Smooth Draw 3 – Image editing
PhotoScape – Photo Retouching
IrfanView – Image viewing and batch processor
Notepad+ – Text Editor
Thunderbird 2 – Email Client
Avast – Antivirus
PDF Creator – Creates .PDF files
Nvu 1 – HTML Editor
BlogDesk – Desktop Blogging Client

Combine this with all the online Web 2.0 applications, and I’ve got everything I need to take care of business.

How much did this save? Considering comparable off-the-shelf (OTS) applicaitions, you’re looking at a minimum savings of $1000 (USD) with no loss in productivity.

Check out Gizmo’s Freeware at www.techsupportalert.com for listings and reviews of the best freeware offerings. For example, here is a comparison of free paint programs:

Best Free Paint Programs

So, before you head out to purchase any OTS retail applications, check to see if there are any comparable freeware versions. Download and try them, you may be quite pleased.

Best Free Antivirus Programs

Steve — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 02:42:37 +0000

Having quality, current antivirus software is essential for online safety, and you don’t need to spend a lot for a good antivirus product. In fact, these 3 choices are free and have performance and features to match some of the better commercial products.

About.com has a review and further information here.

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PC User Help and Information » Freebies

A Freeware PC?

Best Free Antivirus Programs